About the Book
Synopsis from Goodreads:
A missing man. A fractured realm. A summer where one wish could cost everything.
Lyra Wells wants one simple thing this summer—keep WishFest running smoothly and protect the magical well she secretly guards. But when beloved physical therapist Michael Zaccaria vanishes during a camping trip, Lyra senses the danger before his body is found. His death occurs perilously close to the spiral path… and the Veiled Vault beneath it cracks open in response.
This time, the breach isn’t accidental. Someone is exploiting old grudges and forbidden knowledge, using a human murder to pry the Vault open from the inside.
Chief Holden Thorn wants justice for a man he trusted, even as his injury forces him closer to Lyra than either expected. Calderis races to contain the damage before Elarion’s secrets spill into the mortal world. As suspicion tightens and emotions blur, Lyra must untangle a slow-burn mystery of loyalty, magic, and desire—before she becomes the final piece in someone else’s design.
Because the killer isn’t hiding the truth.
They’re building a trap—and Lyra is exactly where they want her.
Some lies can break a heart. Others can break a world.
My Review
The town of Wishville, Vermont is excited about the upcoming Summer WishFest. Unknown to the townspeople, Lyra Wells is protecting both the humans and the Dwellers from each other. It’s not an easy task, but her job is to make sure the WishFest is successful and one human is granted a wish as written in their treaty.
When a well-liked doctor goes on a hike and doesn’t return, his family is devastated. Lyra is convinced something happened to him. With the help of the townspeople, a handsome police chief and a smart-alecky cat, they conduct a search. Unfortunately, the search leads to tragedy, and they discover the doctor’s dead body. Now, the search becomes an investigation to find a killer.
This is the second book of the series, and I think it’s even better than the first. The author does a wonderful job of transporting the reader into the charming town of Wishville and introducing some of the most interesting characters - both mortal and immortal. One of my favorites is Vex, the cat. He is able to communicate with Lyra with his thoughts. He says what’s on his mind, whether she wants to hear it or not.
I highly recommend reading these books in order of their release. Although the murder mystery is solved in this book, there is a continuing secondary storyline thread. Plus, it’s the best way to truly get to know these characters.
The Well-Laid Trap is a beautiful escape from the reality of everyday life into a magical world. I, for one, was not disappointed with the second book and I’m looking forward to the next one.
For reading challenges:
Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2026 (Vermont)
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2026
Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2026
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you so much! I am having a blast writing this series. So glad you enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the story can be found in the cover
ReplyDeleteI've got book in another series by this author and have been looking forward to reading it. This looks like a fun one and I love that the 2nd in the series is better than the first. That's definitely not always the case!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounds like a complex story.
ReplyDelete